"Climate science predicts that climate change will result in
more heatwaves and more extreme heatwaves," Professor Parton said.

"Our latest research points to a growing belief in climate change by
Australians, higher acceptance that it is caused by humans, and a stronger
belief that there is scientific consensus on the issue.

"Despite this, and perhaps following the lead of many of our politicians,
there is a lower willingness to do anything about climate change, and a lower
belief that individuals can do anything about it."

Professor Parton believes that strong policies are urgently
needed to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

"If we take a long-term view, we need will need to mitigate
and adapt to these extremes of heat as well as fire and flood, all of which
seem to be upon us at an ever increasing rate.

"Adaptation needs
proactive approaches at all levels of government, business and non-government
organisations.

"Among the mitigation strategies available to Australia is a
carbon pricing scheme that will encourage energy generators and carbon producing
firms and services to limit emissions of greenhouse gases.

"This in turn will reduce the 'greenhouse effect' and so
reduce global warming and climate change.